Bag holder



NOV. 14, 1967 R BU'MGARNER ET AL 3,352,520

` BAG HOLDER Filed April 22, 196.5 2 Sheets-Sheet l llllllllllllllll II N0v.14,19s7 RL, BUMGARNER ETAL f 3,352520 BAG HOLDER t -Sh 't 2 Filed April 22, 1965 2 Shee S lee 26 Ewa:

I [H 2:, m., aan 1 (flom-463%! I SMza/M United States Patent .O

3,352,520 BAG HOLDER Robert L. Bumgarner and Arthur 0. Knutson, Miami, 'and Thomas B. Royal, Homestead, Fla., assiguors to Homeline Corporation, Miami, Fla., a corporation of Florida Filed Apr. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 450,090 11 Claims. (Cl. 248-99) This invention relat to a receptacle and, more particularly, to a receptacle comprisng a disposable bag made from stretchable and retractable synthetc resin film i or sheet material and means for supporting the bag.

Here'tofore, disposable plastic bags made from polyethylene film or other similar plastic fihns or sheet material have been used for packaging various products and also as inserts for garbage pails or other refuse containers. Because of the flexibility of the film material, however, the'bags do not reman open unless they are held in position, either manually or by mechanical means; and they are therefore difficult and cumbersome to fill. T hus, where the bags are used in packaging, the difliculty in filling results in increased production costs. Where such bags are used as inserts for garbage pails and waste baskets or otherwise as refuse accumulating devices, they frequently have to be manually opened each time refuse is introduced into them.vThis is an undesrable and time-consuming task and a contributing cause to the more widespread acceptance by housewives of paper bags as garbage bags, since paper bags will remain open throughout their use. Aside from this advantage, however, paper bags have the disfadvantages, as compared to synthetc film bags, of being less flexible, more bulky and more vulnerable to mosture and decay, thus becoming weak and subject to tearing.

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages -and has as an object the provision of a de- Vice which permits more efficient use of strong, flexible, lightweight bags made from synthetc resin film or sheet material.

The present invention also has as an object the provision of a receptacle adapted for use in accumul-ating garbage or other refuse and for use in containing and packaging various articles. f

It is a further object of this invention to provide a positive means for Supporting a disposable bag made from stretchable and retractable synthetc resin film or sheet material and for holding the bag in position during its use.

It is Ialso Ian object of this invention to provide means for firmly but temporarily suspending an open bag made of synthetc resin film to which means the bag may be easily attached and detached.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a receptacle comprising bag Supporting means Yand an attached open bag made from a stretchable and retractable synthetc resin material, Which bag is held in engagement with said Supporting means by frictional force between the Supporting means and the portion of the bag fadjacent the v Opening therein, and by the tension in the bag portion caused by distending the portion to fit over the Supporting means.

' It is a further object of this invention to provide a bag Supporting means and Ian attached open bag made from la stretchable and retractable synthetc resin material, which may be incorporated in a receptacle adapted to be mounted on a Vertical surface such as a wall, kitchen cabinet door, or the like, or in a receptacle adapted to rest, or to be mounted on, a floor or other horizontal surface.

It is another object to provide a receptacle including bag Supporting means which is uncomplicated and can be easily used and economically manufactured.

Further and additional objects will become manifest from the drawing, description and the appended claims.

In one form of this invention, a receptacle is provided Patented Nov. 14, 1967 having a loop constructed from steel, aluminum or a suitable synthetc material. The loop is coated or otherwise provided with skid resistant material having fn'ctional surface properties, which may be, for example, an elastomeric material such as natural or synthetc rubber. The skid resistant covering is applied to a major proportion of the periphery of the loop, and it may be provided at spaced intervals on the loop. Engaging the loop is a bag constructed of polyethylene film or a like synthetc resin film or sheet material. The bag has an opening slightly smaller than the opening enclosed by the loop, and is attached to the loop by inserting the open end of the bag through the lc-op and stretching and folding the portion of the bag 7adjacent the Opening therein over the loop. The retractapbility of the bag will cause it to resist the stretching, and

a reverse tension will be established in those portions of the bag which are prevented by the loop from returning to -their original size and shape. This tension, together with .the frction or drag which exists between the bag and the skid resistant surface of the loop, will prevent the bag from slipping from the bag even when the bag is completely filled.

A bracket assembly may be attached to the loop to permit it to be fastened to a Vertical surface such as a wall or cabinet door. The assembly is constructed so as to allow adequate space between the loop and the Vertical surface for manual attachment and detachment of the bags to the loop. The loop may also be connected to a support adapted to rest on a floor or other horizontal surface.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference is now made to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention showing a loop and attached bag.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 without -a bag attached.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 mounted on a Vertical support.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment vof the present invention without a bag attached.

FIG. 5 is a perspective View of a still further embodiment of the present invention without -a bag attached.

FIG. 6 is Ia perspective view of a lid or cover adapted to be mounted on the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 mounted on the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and attached to a support surface taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modification of the lid illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a partial fragmentaryview of the lid of FIG. 8 mounted on 'a support surface.

Referring now to the drawings', and more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3, one embodiment 20 of the present invention is illustrated. The embodiment comprises bag Supporting means 22 in the form of a rectangular loop, having rounded corners 22a, 22-b, 22c, and 22d and a generally rectangular cross section, and a bag 24 attached to the loop 22. The loop 22 is constructed of steel, aluminum, or a suitable synthetc material which is sufliciently rigid to adequately resist hending or deformation. It is coated or otherwise covered with :a skid resistant composition 23 such as natural or synthetc rubber (see FIG. 3).,It has been found that a rigid self Supporting metal or plastic loop coated with an elastomer is commercially preferable. Although shown in a rectangular configuration with a rectangular cross section, the loop 22 may be circular or elliptical shaped where desired and may have a suitably different shaped cross section. Since it is contemplated that one use of the illustrated embodiment 20 Will be as a refuse container inside kitchen cabinets, the rectangular shape has been adapted because of its compactness.

The bag 24, shown in engagement with the loop in FIG. l, is made from a stretchable and retractable synthetic resin film or sheet material such as polyethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride acetate co polymers, or vinyl chloride-Vinylidene chloride copolymers. Polyethylene film or sheet material is the preferred material for the bag because it is relatively inexpensive and readily available.

The Opening of the bag 24 is slightly smaller than the Opening of the loop 22 so that the portion 2411 of the bag Which is folded over the loop will be stretched when the bag engages the loop. The bag material will resist this stretching and a reverse tension will be established as the loop 22 prevents the bag from returning to its original shape. This tension causes -the part of the bag that is folded over the loop to become especially taut where it engages the corners 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d of the loop. 'Ihe tension together with the friction or drag which exists between the bag material and the skid re- .sistant surface of the loop 22 prevents the bag from slipping from the loop even when the bag is entirely filled.

The Opening of the bag should not be so small relative to the Opening enclosed by the loop as to cause tearing of the bag when it is stretched over the loop. The size of the bag Opening may vary within a limited range with respect to any given sized loop, and the amount of variation will depend upon the stretchability and strength of the material from which the bag is constructed.

- Referring particularly to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the embodiment 20 is adapted to be attached to a vertical surface 25 such as a Cabinet door or va wall by means `Of a bracket 26 which is welded or otherwise joined to one side of the loop 22. The bracket is preferably constructed from steel, aluminum, or other suitable rigid sheet material. The bracket includes two flatrectangularshaped members 27 and 28, forming an acute angle, and a flange 30 which extends from andis normal to member 28. Flange 30 is provided with at least one aperture 32 through which a screw 34 or other fastening means may be inserted into the Supporting wall or other Vertical surface 25. As will be seen from FIG. 3, a space -exists between the loop 22 and the surface 25 `and a recess is formed between members 27 and 28 and below loop 22, This permits the bags to be more readily attached and detached from the loop 22 because the users fingers can fit in the space and the user can better grasp the edge of the bag and more easily perform, for example, the necessary bag stretching step. i

FIG. 4 shows a modification 40 of the embodiment 20.

This Vembodiment 40 employs a loop 41 comparable to loop 22, but is adapted to rest on a horizontal surface,

such as `a floor, rather than be Vattached to a Vertical surface. Three Vertical support members 42, 44, and 46, which are renforced by members 48, 50 and 52, are attached to the loop 41. The loop is, of course, covered or coated with a skid resistant material having frictional surface properties. 'Ihe support members may comprise metal tubes, rods, Or the like, and should be sufiiciently long to permit the bag to be fully suspended from the loop 41 when it is in Operation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further modification 60 of the embodiment 20 of FIG. 1. Like the embodiment 40, unit 60 is also adapted to rest on a horizontal surface; however, it compn'ses a generally flat, rectangular-shaped Supporting member 62, rather than the three Vertical support members 42, 24 and 46 employed in unit 40. Member 62 joins the loop 61 to a base 64 which is adapted to rest on a horizontal surface. Member 62, similar to members 42, 44, and 46 of unit 40, also should be long enough to permit the bag to be fully suspended from loop 61 when it is in use.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show covers or lids which are particularly adapted to be used with the embodiment 20 of FIG. l. FIG. 6 shows a lid 70 which is preferably constructed of polypropylene or a like material. The edges 72 of the lid fit over the loop 22, as best shown in FIG. 7. A flange portion 74 is hinged to the upper portion 76 Of the lid and is adapted to fasten to member 28 of the bracket 26 of theunit 20. The preferred hinge 77 is so constructed that it becomes stronger and more fiexible the more -often it is manipulated.

The flange 74 is fastened to bracket 26 by means which comprise resilient S-shapcd clamps 78 and 80, and a rectangular member 82 extending from flange 74. As may be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, clamps '78 -and 80 fit tightly over the edges of bracket 26 adjacent the intersection of member 28 and flange 30, -and cooperate with rectangular member 82 so as to form a secure connection between Vthe bracket 26 and the cover 70. The clamp assembly allows the lid to be easily removed and replaced and therefore perrnits the unit to be more simply and rapidly cleaned. i

FIG. 7 shows by means of dotted lines the .manner in which the cover 70 rotates about hinge l77 and is opened and closed.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a modification of the cover 70 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The modified cover 90 is similar to lid 70 except for the way in which it is fastened to bracket 26 of unit 20. Instead of fasteners like clamps 78 and 80, two nubs 92 and 94 are employed which extend from` the flange 96. The nubs are provided with apertures 98 and 100 which are adapted to receive screws or like fastening means. The aperture of the nubs are aligned with corresponding apertures in member 28 of bracket 26, and screws are inserted through the aligned apertures. FIG. 9 shows a screw 102 inserted into the aperture of nub 94 and a corresponding aperture 104 in member 28. The apertures in member 28 may be appropriately threaded so as to receive the screws.

Besides the embodiments described herein, other changes may be made that fall within the scope of this invention. For example, although specific shaped loops and bags have been described and shown herein, loops and bags having other shapes may be employed. The size and Shape of the bag, howev'er, will always be dependent on and limited by the loop with which it is'to be used. Other changes may be made in the shape and manner of construction of the bracket and other loop Supporting means, and in the way in which such bracket and other supports are connected to the loop.

Still further modifications of the embodiments of this invention may be made, and it is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as will fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A receptacle comprising: a loop coated with a material having a high coelicient of friction; a stretchable and retractable plastic bag having an Opening therein and a portion adjacent the Opening, which portion is inserted through, and stretched and folded over said loopso as to frictionally engage said loop, said bag Opening being smaller than the Opening deiined by the loop, but large enough to prevent the bag from tearing when it is brought into engagement with the loop, said bag portion contracting when in engagement with said loop so as to increase the frictional engagement between the bag and the loop, the friction between the bag and the loop being sufiicient to prevent the bag from disengaging the loop; and means for Supporting said loop.

2. The receptacle Ofclaim 1 wherein the loop is coated With an elasto'meric composition.

3. The receptacle of claim 1 wherein the loop is coated with natural rubber. f

4. The receptacle of 7claim 1 wherein the loop is generally rectangular shaped and has rounded Corners and a generally rectangular cross section.

5. The receptacle of claim 4 -wherein the loop is coated with natural rubber and the bag is constructed from polyethylene.

6. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the means for supporting said loop comprise a base adapted to be mounted on a horizontal surface, and at least one vertical lmember extending up from said base and connected to said loop, the length of said Vertical member being at least as great as the fully extended bag.

7. A receptacle comprising: a loop having a skid resistant surface; a stretchable and rectractable bag engaging said loop, said bag having an Opening in one end which is smaller than the opening defined by the loop but large enough to prevent the bag from tearing when it is brought into engagement with the loop, the open end of said bag being inserted through the loop and stretched and folded over the loop so that the bag end is distended and the outer surface thereof is in frictional engagement with the skid resistant surface of the loop, the fn'ction between the bag and the loop being suflicient to prevent the bag from disengaging the loop; and means for Supporting said loop, said means being adapted to be mounted on a vertical surface and comprising first and second members joined together to form a V, said first member being attached to one side of said loop and depending at an angle therefrom toward the inside of said loop, said second member being disposed generally parallel to the plane of said loop and having a flange depending therefrom which is adapted to be joined to said Vertical surface.

8. An article for holding a stretchable and retractable bag having an opening at one end, said article comprising: a loop having a skid resistant surface, the Opening defined by the loop being sufiiciently larger than the Opening of said bag so that when the open end of said bag is stretched and folded over the loop, the bag end Will be retained in a distended condition and in frictional engagement with the skid resistant surface of the loop and will be prevented from slipping from the loop, the relative sizes of the loop and bag openings being such that the bag will not tear when brought into engagement with the loop; and means for Supporting said loop, said means being adapted to be mounted on a Vertical surface and comprising first and second members joined together to form a V, said first member being attached to one side of said loop and depending at an angle therefrom toward the inside of said loop, said second member being disposed generally parallel to the plane of said loop and having a flange depending therefrom which is adapted to be joined to said Vertical surface.

9. The article of claim 8 wherein means for covering the Opening defined by said loop are provided which comprise an enclosing member, a flange hinged thereto and disposed on the Supporting means, and fastening means securing said flange to said Supporting means.

10. The article of claim 9 wherein said fastening means are S-shaped clamps Which are attached to the outer edges of said mounting means.

11. The article of claim 9 wherein said fastening means comprise at least one nub extending from said flange and having an aperture therein, and a screw inserted through the nub aperture and a corresponding aperture in said mounting means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,062,023 11/1936 Gosselin 248-99 2,783,010 2/1957 Ferguson 248-97 X 3,003,736 10/1961 Hofgesang 248-300 X 3,142,465 7/ 1964 Hellner 248-99 X 3,155,356 11/1964 Montgomery 248-99 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,319,370 l/1962 France.

908,095 10/ 1962 Great Britain.

ROY D. FRAZIER, Primary Examiner.

J. F. FOSS, Assistant Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,352,520 h November 14, 1967 Robert L. Bumgarner et al.

It is hereby Certified that error appears in the above number-ed patent requiring correction and that the said Letter-s Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 2, line 21, for "bag", first occurrence, read loop line 72, for "adapted" read adopted column 3, line 66 for "24" 'read 44 Signed and sealed this 7th day of January 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD J. BRENNER Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer 

1. A RECEPTACLE COMPRISING: A LOOP COATED WITH A MATERIAL HAVING A HIGH COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION; A STRETCHABLE AND RETRACTABLE PLASTIC BAG HAVING AN OPENING THEREIN AND A PORTION ADJACENT THE OPENING, WHICH PORTION IS INSERTED THROUGH, AND STRETCHED AND FOLDED OVER SAID LOOP SO AS TO FRICTIONALLY ENGAGE SAID LOOP, SAID BAG OPENING BEING SMALLER THAN THE OPENING DEFINED BY THE LOOP, BUT LARGE ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE BAG FROM TEARING WHEN IT IS BROUGHT INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE LOOP, SAID BAG PORTION CONTRACTING WHEN IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID LOOP SO AS TO INCREASE THE FRICTIONAL ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE BAG AND THE LOOP, THE FRICTION BETWEEN THE BAG AND THE LOOP BEING SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT THE BAG FROM DISENGAGING THE LOOP; AND MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID LOOP, 